CVE-2004-1536 in ibProArcade
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in the ibProArcade module for Invision Power Board (IPB) 1.x and 2.x allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cat parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1536 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the ibProArcade module for Invision Power Board versions 1.x and 2.x. This security weakness resides in the index.php script where user input is improperly handled, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through the cat parameter. The flaw falls under the category of CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities, making it a prime target for attackers seeking unauthorized database access and potential system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the ibProArcade module's parameter handling mechanism. When the cat parameter is processed by the index.php script, it directly incorporates user-supplied data into SQL query construction without proper escaping or parameterization. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code that executes with the privileges of the database user account associated with the IPB application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables remote code execution capabilities, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges within the application environment.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses severe risks to organizations running affected IPB versions, as it can be exploited without requiring authentication or specialized knowledge of the underlying system architecture. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, personal information, and other sensitive database content. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include potential system compromise and service disruption. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1071.004 - Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as attackers may use this vector to establish persistent access and exfiltrate data through compromised database connections.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1536 should prioritize immediate patching of affected IPB installations to the latest available security updates. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, including parameterized queries and prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit access to vulnerable applications, while regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and following secure coding practices to prevent similar issues in future development cycles.